Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema in a Patient With Chronic Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene

Mil Med. 2024 Feb 27;189(3-4):e907-e910. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usad359.

Abstract

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a clinical syndrome of upper-zone-predominant emphysema on high-resolution CT and a peripheral and basal-predominant diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. Multiple occupational and inhalational exposures have been associated with CPFE. We describe a U.S. veteran, who developed CPFE after a prolonged, intense exposure to trichloroethylene as an aircraft maintenance worker. We believe that this may be another example of occupational-associated CPFE.

MeSH terms

  • Emphysema* / complications
  • Emphysema* / etiology
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Emphysema* / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Emphysema* / complications
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis* / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trichloroethylene* / toxicity

Substances

  • Trichloroethylene